Vote for Pedro
by drfuture2013
Friends,
Tomorrow I have to cast a primary vote in Tennessee for the upcoming presidential election. I think we can all agree this has been some kind of disturbing election season, which I think portends a work God is doing to show us who we as Americans, and in particular Christians, truly are, in the eyes of God and everyone else. I am not going to tell you who to vote for, but I am going to suggest the kind of person to vote for.
Vote for Pedro.
Those of you who are now confused (or think I am being racist) are obviously the few who have not seen the wonderful and insightful (and funny) 2004 movie Napoleon Dynamite. The “heroes” of the movie were a trio of geeky outcasts at school – the types we all knew, or better yet (as in my case) were. One of the main story elements was a competition for school student body president between a socially awkward Mexican transfer student Pedro, whose shyness reveals the courage and daring (or madness) he exhibited in even deciding to run, and the domineering “insider”, the popular and beautiful cheerleader “Summer”. While her many popular friends posted “Vote for Summer” signs everywhere (she probably did not have to compete for Prom Queen), Pedro’s buddy Napoleon sported the now societally-popular phrase “Vote for Pedro”, using an old iron-on “puffy” transfer on a T-shirt. As the movie’s many viewers fondly recall, Pedro was ready to get his head handed to him in the election, when a school assembly beforehand let Summer and her cheerleader friends use their sex-appeal in a dance number, contrasted to Pedro’s unassuming and unimpressive speech, until Napoleon saved the day with the most exotic dance number ever put to celluloid.
The message of this aspect of the film is more relevant now than ever. It contrasted the two kinds of people in the world – the “insiders” (“Summers”) and the “outsiders” (“Pedros”). We and the public make numerous value judgments each day over who are friends are or those we want, the leaders we want to follow, the people we want to trust and then purchase from, the company we keep, and the kinds of people we aspire to be like. In this context, the “Pedros” never have a chance when it comes to earning our devotion, wallets, endorsements and emulation. Ads and commercials are filled with beautiful and macho “Summers”, male and female, who have ideal weight and body type, do amazing physical sports and exercise, go on all-inclusive vacations to the Bahamas and dance in formal wear on the beach, walk with a swagger and confidence, and “know what they are doing”. And then there’s the rest of us – including those who try with great effort but in vain to measure up or gain their acceptance and approval, or those of us who gave up, either due to lack of energy or interest.
Here’s some of the traits I can think of concerning the “Summers” and “Pedros” of the world:
“Summers” “Pedros”
Seen as physically attractive, sex appeal “Average” or less looks, appeal less noticed
Confident in statements and positions Tentative, self-critical, slow to speak
Swagger in style and image – “big talker” Meek, self-effacing
Surrounded by adorers or other “insiders” Loners or small group of fellow “Pedros”
Often born into “Summerdom” by parents Humble upbringing
Wealthy, connected, advantages for success Starts from the bottom, no insider help
Gets heard, attention whenever they want Often overlooked, seen as hopeless, “loser”
Gets all the breaks Gets few breaks
Will drop friends when no longer useful Loyal to fellow “Pedros” who offer nothing
I could go on, but you get the point. The “Summers” get picked first in pickup sports, get invited to the slumber parties, get multiple prom date requests, selected as team captains and class presidents, fraternity and sorority offers, lucrative job positions, quick promotions (particularly in the military) regardless of true skill, and offers to join high society. And then there’s the rest of us “Pedros”, who could only dream of such attention and opportunities, and watch such people adored on TV and elsewhere. Janis Ian, a backward wallflower growing up herself, wrote of these latter people in her hauntingly melancholic hit song, “Seventeen”. Some of the lyrics are
I learned the truth at seventeen
That love was meant for the beauty queens
And high school girls with clear-skinned smiles
Who married young and then retired
The valentines I never knew
The Friday night charades of youth
Were spent on one more beautiful
At seventeen I learned the truth
And those of us with ravaged faces
Lacking in the social graces
Desperately remained at home
Inventing lovers on the phone
—————————————————-
And the rich relationed hometown queen
Marries into what she needs
With a guarantee of company
And haven for the elderly
—————————————————
To those of us who knew the pain
Of valentines that never came
And those whose names were never called
When choosing sides for basketball
It was long ago and far away
The world was younger than today
When dreams were all they gave for free
To ugly duckling girls like me
These “Summers” are the people who are “super-salesmen” who we admire and thus succeed, becoming charismatic military leaders, entrepeneurs and CEOS by “looking like they know what they are doing”. Even well-known pastors in mega-churches and para-church organizations can come from these ranks.
I have been blessed to be around wise Christian family and friends of great attributes but humble estates my whole life. I have rubbed shoulders with billionaires and connected people in my early career, and even had Lear Jet rides and the keys to executive positions dangled in front of me. However, I knew then I could never fit in or pull it off, and I am greatful to God to be spared such a shallow and unfulfilling existence. When one becomes aware of the move-prop facade this type of “success” is, one cannot help losing one’s natural envy of others who do “make it”, and all its material perks and supposed esteem-builders, and feel sorry for those struggling so hard to find that elusive contentment and real acceptance with that crowd, and truly feel pity for their BMW and “work hard/play hard” worlds. If is particularly sad to see women in Southern California, and now everywhere, who have been told that their value is merely their looks and youth, and thereby mutilate themselves at times in a vain attempt (excuse to the pun) to retain their “utility”.
The ultimate domain for the “Summers” is in the field of politics. It is often all about image, swagger, “tough guy” mentality, and frankly being a bully. As you can imagine, in a regular field of narcissists we now have a candidate who probably is the ultimate “Summer” – a wealthy billionaire born into wealth and connections, with people who hang on his every word, whether it is foolish or not, and even if he is insulting them or pandering to them in an obvious condescening way (and I have to say that Christians always seem by and large to be the most gullible). They are dealing with a “dealer” whose life of deals are not those that are “win-win” for two parties who meet each other’s needs, but where one is a “winner” and the other a “loser”, decided on who has more inside information or assets, or merely by bluff, bullying and intimidation. Those who are in the way either get out of the way, or get sued – just ask Merv Griffin – to further show his awesome “power”. His success? You know what they say – “Everybody loves a winner”. The people proving this adage the most by beating a path to sit at his feet are many of our most prominent Christian leaders, and professing American Christians in general.
Well, I have started a movement some time ago to start voting for the “Pedros” of the world. If it is real popular in society right now, be it a television show, style of music, gadgets or other styles, I’m probably going to take a pass on it. If it is a “trend”, “fashionable” or status symbol – count me out. If a person comes well-connected or with lots of money in their background, I’m probably going to write them off right on the spot. If they come with associations with powerful or prominent organizations and institutions, I will probably write them off too. If they are not selling themselves, but rather a noble idea, particularly one that looks out for the Forgotten People (those in institutional care, the elderly or low-income, all of whom are of no interest to Madison Avenue, Wall Street or the politicians, or others “out of favor”), then I will probably buy in, even if I disagree with them on certain matters; it is a question of integrity. If “insiders” recommend them, groom them or try to influence them, they are off my list, regardless of the good “positions” they claim to represent – I am old enough now to know whose interests they really represent.
This is a life decision for me, concerning all aspects of life. Tomorrow I am going to “vote for Pedro” at the ballot box. Won’t you join me?
The Two Spies Report 
wow, seeing as how every single candidate on ballots for both parties are obviously hungry for power and prestige. by your standards I have no one left to vote for. You obviously dislike trump (add him to previous dislikes of yours, evangelicals and Calvinists) and the only candidate remotely fitting your qualifications would be Ben Carson, an early favorite of mine. He has not, however, said much concerning what he stands for.
When given the opportunity his answers are vague and rambling. Seems like a nice guy, but then, that’s a politicians job, isn’t it? To fool enough of the people enough of the time to stay in power. It was hard to tell if your rant was against Trump in particular or wealthy people in general. If you think you have valuable information than share it instead of indulging in obtuse diatribes against shadow people. I hope you don’t think readers and bloggers here would just go out and vote for your choice solely because “you” recommend said candidate. If you do, methinks thou thinketh too highly of thineself. If, however, you have viable reasons for preferring a particular candidate, then just share it. You might be aware of some things the rest of us aren’t privy too, especially with your time spent with the rich and the famous. Your post contributed little to the debate except leaving people to try and guess who you favor, or if such a candidate even exists.
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Chuck,
Where would I be without your reliably upbeat, cordial and constructive (not to forget insight-filled) post? You think my assertions are vague because unlike the rest of the readers of this blog, you suffer from the reduced-education environment of sadly many Christians today that have to have a point thumbtacked to the end of their nose (do you realize that a post like this is to get you to think?). It is reflected in their political choices the last few decades. Maybe David Barton or World Net Daily can dumb it down enough to match your understanding. I have been more than patient with you in your ignroance in the prior posts, but the only thing you seem to be interested in is personal attacks against me. Did I relieve myself in your Cheerios? At least I give you an outlet to personify all your frustrations out on me. Can you let me know about your writings and blog site so I can return the favor?
Give my regards to the Land of Trolls!
P.S. Not to forget your invective-filled inquiry, Ben Carson, who denies his verified open endorsement of a nutritional supplement that purportedly claims to reverse Downs Syndrome in some reports, and has written that Joseph built the Great Pyramids to store grain (evidently unaware that they are almost entirely solid), flunks the initial truth and stupidity test, even if he is a brilliant surgeon (which he should stick to). At times he sounds humble, until he begins to scapegoat Muslims and deny Muslim-Americans regular citizens’ rights merely because of their religion; history shows that people who do that will eventually turn on those of differing Christian beliefs (in his case, non-Adventists whose “heresy” is worshipping on Sunday and not following the Mosaic Law dietary codes).
PPS. You forgot to list Bernie Sanders – whose values better reflect those of Christ, the Sermon on the Mount and the Early Church (even though I differ with him on a few issues).
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oh doctor, my doctor. Good to get a pulse from you. And no, I didn’t forget Bernie Sanders. I am quite aware of his socialist leanings (but gee, he would really tax those evil rich people, wouldn’t he?) If you don’t think he is bought and paid for like the rest of them, then I have grossly over estimated you IQ. It’s amazing but true, we cant see the splinters for the trees. Every post I read from you is, to use your words, “invective filled”. You whined about Calvinist, then went on to those evangelicals, and now your on to the rich people. If you think you are writing objective, fair, reasoned posts, I suggest you get someone you trust to read them back to you. Maybe hearing them will help you to see how judgemental your caricatures actually are. You oversimplify and use reductionist language, lumping different classes or types of people into one size fits all blobs. Okay, I get it. You’re a liberal. No crime there. Used to be one myself in days gone by. I learned from Churchill whom I will now paraphrase “If you’re not liberal when you are young, you have no heart. If you’re not conservative when you are older, you have no brain.” But to each his own. If you don’t want people posting negative responses, try not writing negative posts. In reality, your inability, or refusal, to acknowledge you hurl stones with the best of them is just indicative of a sin nature we all share. Remember doctor, it was the LOVE of money, not just money itself, that was the root of all kinds of evil. And those who have the money have the power. I would wager the reverse is true as well. Every candidate has wet dreams about “Hail to the Chief” being played as they enter the room on various occasions or venues. There’s no humility here. Do you think there is? That someone could think they are somehow “worthy” or “entitled” to lead a nation? So dispense with such nonsense. No matter who gets the office, they will never be able to withstand the pressure from the “summers”. They may enter a “pedro” but a “summer” they will leave. Just comes with the territory. Keeping all that in mind, I will vote for whomever I think will do as much right as possible for this country. I am well aware of the overall game. But who will play it best as regards this country. Regardless of party or affiliations. I am not excited by any of the choices on either side. I wouldn’t mind Sanders as long as the lower branches or in the other parties control to keep him from instituting 90% tax rates or giving away what we don’t have (and at 20 trillions dollars of debt and counting, we don’t really have anything). The kingdom of God is not of this world. Jesus said it, I believe it. As believers we are to witness both in word and deed, and await His return and inauguration. Expecting a politician to make this world a better place is like expecting Satan to say grace before a meal. Keep up the good work.
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Excellent article dr. Future, from one Pedro to another. Touched my heart.
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Thank you so much for the kind words, and taking time to post.
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One minute Chuck complain that you set the standard too high, and the next minute you set it too low. Does he have small hands? That explains why you can’t trust him.
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If I act and think “too Christian”, I’ll just get an IRS audit, which is the reason Donald Trump says why he gets audited.
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and the drivel goes on.
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I think it’s a shame that Chuck missed the author’s intent in the post. Rather than endorsing a particular candidate, Doc Future is trying to point out negative characteristics common among those deemed “electable.”
There’s nothing new under the sun — God told Samuel a few thousand years ago, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
I think this article is encouraging to anyone interested in “conforming no longer to the pattern of this world” regarding elections and voting.
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No, I didn’t miss the point. When you caricaturize people you don’t like and make vague subliminal suggestions as to what you think people should do, you don’t really have a point, even if you meant to. My complaint was to speak the truth, whether you think people will like it or not. You don’t speak the truth by telling lies. I think you missed my point, however brutally I made it.
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Hey Chuck! You’re very aggressive aren’t you? Dr. Future was only trying to draw an allusion to the difference between worldly people and people who are rejected by the world. I enjoy reading his blog too. It’s interesting. He writes elloquently. However, you on the other hand waste a lot of words in tautologies like ‘You don’t speak the truth by telling lies.’ Also brevity in responses makes for better reading. Hope that helps!! As the Lord Jesus Christ said, Judge not lest you be judged! We all make mistakes from time to time.
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Good to hear from you here, Bro. Marko.
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wow. that’s a belated reply. I don’t mind the doctors comments except when he gets to caricaturizing people are groups. It’s really all I’ve ever been negative towards. Of course, he’s free to do as he wishes, but when you post your wisdom it will certainly be ascertained for verification. Just make a point and move on.
As to your scripture reference, don’t recall any judging anyone, unless you call caricatures “judging”. And to further your education, Christians are told to judge (test, discern) every spirit. I find the doctors posts to be interesting also, I just don’t find the tendency to have to denigrate a person or party a necessary part of the process. Try to respond sooner this time. I can’t guarantee i’ll still be paying attention 2 months from now.
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Chuck,
Maybe I can clear up a misconception. When I suggest in a post an observed correlation, relationship or causation for certain behaviors of groups of certain types of thinking, I never meant to imply that every single person who may view themselves as part of a group I cite can be universally characterized in the simple way I do; there are always exceptions, and other motives and causes. I only mention such observations when I think they might be instructive in understanding a “flock”, and help our awareness, and if anything cause us to think further and reconsider. The same thing is true in the book project I am doing, and I assume in the many others who do such cultural critiques.
I hope that might clear up any misunderstanding.
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thank you, good doctor, for the kind response. The clarification is helpful. I find all of your posts interesting and thought provoking. I just felt caricatures was something unnecessary. I accept your explanation and only encourage you to continue to be sensitive and careful. Most of your arguments stand on their own, which is a compliment to you. Again, thanks.
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Firstly, sorry for commenting at this late hour. Also apologies for accusing you of being aggressive. I don’t know you and vice versa. Plus there’s no point in picking at each other online for no reason at all.
Ok. Getting to the point. I suppose we should see people as individuals first and part of a larger group second. True. But it’s hard to write about people in broader terms without resorting to group characteristics. For example, if you or I were asked to describe a group of people in a room how would we do so? The language we used would tell the person asking the question a lot about us, and less so about the people in the room, if you see what I mean.
Next point would be about judging/discerning/testing the spirits. When I quoted the Lord Jesus about Judge not lest you be judged, I would say I understood that to mean to hold fire on looking down on people. I’m not saying that you do. Or that i’m looking down on you or anything. Quite the opposite. Not at all.
I’d say that what I should have communicated to you was maybe you could give more constructive criticism? Like ‘I disagree with you there but here’s how you could have said it better… or maybe try wording it this way next time?’ “A soft answer turneth away wrath.”
And that’s what this is. To be honest I haven’t been posting anything online for a long time, and this is where I decided to start again. Thanks for answering my post too. Even if it was a long time since your original post.
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thank you for the kind and courteous. I understand and embrace your explanations. I blog a bit, probably too often, and the vitriol can get awful. I always try to get bloggers to stay on point, expecially when their original post makes good points and can stimulate healthy conversation. the good doctor excels at this. I’m here for an exchange of ideas, not having to defend some person or group when it has nothing to do with the original post. Looking forward to friendly exchanges. Nothing but the best. Chuck
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Now look what you did, brother – you rattled Chuck’s cage and woke him up!
Thanks for commenting.
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Vote for Pedro!!
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Yep!
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